Most say homosexuality 'morally acceptable'

WASHINGTON -- A slight majority of Americans view gay or lesbian relations as morally acceptable, a first since Gallup pollsters started asking about the issue in 2001.

In a recent survey of 16 different behaviors or social practices, pollsters found that 52 percent of Americans accept gay or lesbian relations, a steady increase since a form of the question was introduced nine years ago. The percentage of Americans who find it "morally wrong" dipped to its lowest point: 43 percent.

Sixty percent of Democrats and independents accept of gay or lesbian relations, compared to 35 percent of Republicans.

Americans were tied, at 46 percent, regarding the morality of doctor-assisted suicide -- a stark contrast to the 77 percent of Americans who believe suicide is morally wrong.

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Americans are overwhelmingly agreed on admonishing cheating spouses, with only 6 percent of respondents saying marital infidelity is morally acceptable.

The findings are based on telephone interviews with 1,029 U.S. adults, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.